How Can I Detect and Correct Leaky Pipes? | SERVPRO® of Rockwall/Rowlett

9/23/2020 (Permalink)

Quick—can you name the sources of water damage in your home? You might easily name storms, old roofing, floods and even leaky appliances. One source of water damage that often falls out of sight/out of mind…leaky pipes!

If you do have leaking pipes in your home or business, you need to promptly locate them. Unlike storm damage, slow leaks are not usually covered by insurance.

Maybe you’ve never done a plumbing of any size. The prospect can seem scary. But if it’s in an accessible place, you can often fix a leaky pipe by yourself. This video and many others like it show you the basics of fixing a leaky pipe.

Find It. Fix It. Or Get Help.

Where is the leak? What should you look for when you suspect a leak…or feel actual dampness around your toes?

• Ceiling stains
• Damaged flooring
• Loose, flaking caulking or grout
• Looseness of your sink faucet or handles
• Mold or mildew
• Puddles (of course)
• Tiles that keep coming up
• Toilet that moves when you rock it

Pinpoint the exact source. Saying, “My bathroom plumbing is leaking” is just the first step. Any number of pipes might be causing your bathroom tile to come up. Now, it’s time to narrow down. Check the access panel behind your tub. Look under countertops. Try partially filling your tub or sink. See if you can find water welling up around any pipe joints you see. (Small leaks can be detected by wrapping a dry paper towel around the joint.)

DIY, or call an expert? If you can see and get your hands around a leaky pipe, you can likely repair it yourself. But plenty of leaks are just hard to get to. Or maybe you still can’t pin down a source. Call in a reputable plumber to take it from there. Even for small leaks, early attention will save you money down the road.

I’ve Fixed the Leak, But It’s Looking Moldy

Now that you’ve fixed the leak, does the spot need a clean-up? Call SERVPRO®. In business more than 50 years, we’re experts at cleaning up after water damage.

We’re a local franchise of a national company. That means we have the sense of urgency of a small business, but we can draw on national expertise.

Need to clean up some water damage? Contact us at any time, round the clock for quick service and great results.